22-Time Grand Slam Winner Rafael Nadal Set to Retire After Davis Cup

One of Tennis’ all-time greats has hung up his racket for good. Rafael Nadal, winner of 22 Grand Slams, has officially come out and announced his retirement. The 38-year-old's last hurray in Tennis will be at this year’s Davis Cup, where Spain have reached the final eight stage – giving fans one last chance to see him in action before saying goodbye to the game he dominated for so many years.

Rafael Nadal wraps up his legendary career as one of the most decorated athletes in history. With 22 Grand Slam titles to his name—the second most in men’s tennis history—Nadal’s dominance is unrivaled, especially on clay, where he claimed a staggering 14 French Open crowns. Beyond the Grand Slams, Nadal’s trophy cabinet includes 92 ATP singles titles, including 36 Masters titles as well as an Olympic gold medal. He also holds the rare distinction of being one of only three men to achieve the Career Golden Slam in singles.  

The legendary Spanish athlete announced his retirement through an emotional post on his social media handles. In the video, an emotional Nadal said, “I am retiring from professional tennis. The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these last two especially. It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make. But in this life, everything has a beginning and an end." Nadal had hinted earlier that 2024 could be his last year on the court. And in all honesty, the Spaniards retirement announcement was expected by tennis fanatics. The 38-year-old missed the Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open in 2024. The only Grand Slam he participated this year was the French Open, where he was defeated by Alexander Zverev in the first round. Despite that defeat, Nadal ends his love story with Roland Garros’ clay court on a jaw-dropping 112-4 win-loss record. 

Nadal has played since he was defeated by Noval Djokovic at the quarterfinal stage of the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, the legend stated that the Davis Cup would be the perfect ending to his career. He said, “I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and representing my country. I think I've come full circle since one of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Seville in 2004." Fans will have the chance to witness Rafael Nadal’s greatness for one last time when Spain take on Netherlands on 19th November in Davis Cup.